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Doors create privacy, define rooms, reduce noise and instill beauty and style. Interior doors come in different materials and styles, making them easier to match or complement your home’s decor. There are endless door options to choose from when it comes time to buy, which can make the decision all the more difficult.
This guide will walk you through the different types of doors for your home so you can find the one that suits your decor.
Types of Doors for Your Home by Style
Doors come in different styles that are mainly based on their functionality. This classification can make it easier for new homeowners. Choosing the right door style can elevate your home’s appeal while also making it more efficient.
1. Dutch Doors
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A dutch door is a type of exterior door often chosen for entry-point doors. They are split in half, so the top and bottom operate independently. Dutch doors are ideal for a kitchen to let air in, or as the door to the patio for letting pets or kids out.
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2. French Doors
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Untimely elegant French doors are statement-making. They’re double doors that are mainly composed of glass panes. The two doors open inward and can open together or independently. French doors are usually used as exterior doors since they give rooms plenty of extra light. Still, they’re useful for dividing rooms without enclosing the space, so it helps the living space appear more spacious.
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3. Bifold Doors
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Bifold doors are usually lightweight interior doors that fold toward the user. As the doors fold, they simultaneously slide open, which is why they’re commonly used to cover closets, utility rooms and kitchens. However, some modern bifold doors made of glass and steel frames can be great options for exteriors.
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4. Hinged Doors
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These are what most people know as passage doors. These doors have one end installed on hinges so they can swing to and from the room. It’s likely that every room in your home already has a hinged door installed.
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5. Sliding Doors
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Sliding doors are exterior doors used on the back or side of the house, usually opening onto a patio or a deck. But sliding doors can also find their way onto the interior of the house in closets, utility rooms or pantries. They move on a track as you push them open so they don’t protrude on space at all.
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6. Pocket Doors
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Pocket doors are very similar to sliding doors, but these disappear into a wall when they’re open. They’re perfect for powder rooms, closets and bathrooms. Pocket doors move on a track into a door slab contained within a “pocket” or hollow space in the wall.
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7. Barn Doors
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Traditionally meant for exterior use, barn doors make a statement indoors as they’ve become a mainstay in modern farmhouse-style homes. Barn doors are often made of wood that hangs from a track outside the room. They’re a popular option for bathrooms, kitchens and hallways.
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8. Pivot Doors
Pivot doors turn on two rotates on the top and bottom of the door. When they open, the panel looks like it’s part of the wall design, giving it a modern style. Pivot doors are available in many materials because the frame is designed to support heavier loads (which also means they’re great for front doors).
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9. Saloon Doors
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Though not as popular anymore, saloon doors are quite tactical. They’re designed to allow for ventilation while still covering up what’s behind them. Saloon doors have bi-directional hinges and no door handles, so one could easily walk through them, even while holding items, which makes them ideal for kitchens and dining rooms.
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10. Roller Doors
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Roller doors, also known as sectional overhead doors, are mainly used for garages and storage facilities. However, they’re starting to become interior doors as they can add a statement to living room spaces, for example. Roller doors don’t require much space and are available in different materials that can easily match your house’s style. They roll up to the ceiling when opened.
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Door Types by Materials
Another way to look at the different types of doors for your home is by materials. Each has its benefits and disadvantages, depending on where you want to use them.
1. Wood Doors
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Wood has long been the material of choice for exterior doors, but it’s making its way indoors. They are a classic choice that can be used anywhere in the house. And because they’re so easy to paint, tint or style, they can easily adapt to your style and decor. Wood is a great choice for the front door because of its high durability.
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2. Steel Doors
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Steel and other metals have been used for both indoors and exterior doors for years. They can be a solid alternative for wood doors, as they can be more economical options. Steel doors are enduring and require minimum upkeep, offering a modern look that perfectly matches industrial interior design vibes.
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3. Fiberglass Doors
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While some types of doors can be high maintenance, fiberglass doors require low upkeep, are super durable, have high insulation and are resistant to dents. These doors come painted or with wood panels, making them excellent options both for interior or exterior doors. Fiberglass doors offer high flexibility as they can be carefully designed to match a desired aesthetic.
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4. Aluminum Doors
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Aluminum doors are becoming a staple in modern-looking homes. They can be placed in different settings to be either hinged or sliding doors. Aluminum is exceptionally versatile and aluminum doors can make an aesthetic impact in any room, from the front door to the bedroom and beyond.
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5. Glass Doors
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Glass doors are mainly panels of glass set into wood, steel, or aluminum frames. These are always used either at the back or side of the house to let natural light come through. Front doors can also gesture glass, however, you need to ensure privacy with curtains or sanding the glass.
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6. Battened and Ledged Doors
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Battened and ledged doors have been around for decades. They have vertical wood battens with horizontal ledges. They can be either braced or framed for a more stern look. These doors work well for bathrooms, hallway closets and utility rooms.
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7. Flush Doors
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Flush doors have an entirely smooth surface made of medium-density fiberboard or plywood. They have a very affordable price range and offer high durability. Flush doors are very reasonable in price, which is why they’re used in many homes. They are excellent choices for bathroom doors, toilet doors or utility rooms indoors.
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Bottom Line
There are many types of doors for your home, and choosing the right one depends on many factors. Thinking about privacy, functionality, user intent and overall aesthetics will help you find the ideal door for every room in your house.
